Four Pic Post - a July wrap-up

Pic #1:

Large dog, his tongue, and I ended our July by running an easy 6 while watching the sun rise this morning in some awesome mid-50s temps.

His tongue enjoyed that sunset.

Pic #2:

This run topped off our July total at 155 miles and some change.

I have no idea if this is good or bad.  Maybe good since I ran all those miles.

Pic #3:

My hip wasn't so bad this morning, but I was feeling some tightness toward the end of the run - which is why I did my hip and glute strengthening exercises this evening under large dog's supervision.

He's ready with toys in case I need those for my exercises.

Pic #4:

Female cat cannot believe how stupid this blog post is.  And how stupid this blog is because it has so much large dog on it, who just likes to eat her head when she least expects it.

SO MUCH STUPID EVERYWHERE

And she thinks it's stupid I included a picture of her in this post just because I needed a fourth picture.  Cats.  Sheesh.


Tomorrow's workout: 30 minute tempo - a gift from the My Run Plan gods.

Supposed to run 13 miles yet only did 4. Seems legit.

I think I'm becoming hostile to long runs.  And today it wasn't even that long - just 13 miles.  Although I did manage to get dressed, hook the large dog to me, and head out the door for some running, I only managed 4 miles.  Here's why:

• After the first mile I had to make a pit stop back at the house to change jackets.  I was wearing a new Nike jacket in the 15 mph winds, and the little drawstrings at the collar kept smacking me in the face whilst I was running.  And we all know how annoying THAT can be.
• After the second mile I had to make another pit stop back at the house because Mother Nature.
• I had to run this run at marathon pace, and the 15 mph winds were completely bumming me out about that.
• I had to make yet ANOTHER pit stop at the house after the fourth mile because Mother Nature again.

After the last pit stop, I was all I'M DONE.  I just chalked this up as a 4 mile workout and went and took a nice, long hot shower.  I checked the weather for tomorrow morning, and while the temps will be in the 20s, the wind will also be at a lovely 3 mph -- so those 13 miles have been rescheduled for tomorrow AM right after I clean the house and try and beat back all the animal fur for another week.

Because I didn't bother to take any selfies of myself with large dog in our running duds, you'll have to settle for a picture of my dinner cooking:

How I do tacos.

And this picture of female cat judging me as per usual because I cut my run short.

Hyooman.  You have disappointed me.  Again.

I don't regret it.  I got a workout in and I still have time tomorrow to do the run.  The only thing nagging at me at the moment is that 56 mile bike ride I'm going to have to do in June even thought I've only ridden outside once this winter.

Once the weather decides to be spring, I predict a lot of frantic bike rides after work.  Good times ahead, kids.

Speaking of good times, here's some learnings:

• I'm actually excited about doing the run early in the morning.  The later I do the run the less I actually want to do it, and there's just something magical about running right after the sun comes up.
• There's also something magical about sleeping in on a Sunday, but tomorrow I'm choosing running magic over sleeping-in magic.
• Female cat.  Always judging.  Judgers be judging.
• In case you were wondering, those tacos were amazing.

Tomorrow's workout:  13 miles as the sun comes up!

The many faces of sucky speed work.

Face #1: Joy at wearing those FREE SHOES (Brooks Levitate) I won during the Twin Cities Marathon in October.  They arrived yesterday and I was all LET'S GET AT THAT SPEED WORK IN THESE BABIES (and they were nice.  I like them.  Even though they're probably more appropriate for tempo or long runs with all that cushion they got in 'em).

Doesn't everyone hold up new shoes to their faces?

Face #2: Sadness at having a sucky speed session (2 x 1200, 4 x 800 @ 7:45 pace), even though the pace has never been a "omg I don't think I can make it" pace ever before.  I think my lungs still aren't over my sickness from a few weeks ago, as evidenced by the stuff that is still coming out of my nose when I blow it. (Mercifully not pictured.  You're welcome.)

Sucky speed work face

Face #3: The female cat judging the ever-loving snot out of you (but not the snot coming out of my nose) for struggling your way through the repeats, stopping in each one to blow more junk out of your nose.

Hyooman.  Mega-wimp.  Stop your wheezing and run.

Face it--here come some learnings:

• The yin and yang of running.  That was the run this morning.
• I'm really tired and I hope you appreciate the energy it took to throw up some random pics and facetious garbage words on this post.
• I hope my lungs get better for next week's speed session, because the wheezing was bothering me as well as female cat.
• I really did like those Brooks Levitates.  I can't wait to try them out for a tempo or a long run.
• Nothing is ever good enough for female cat.  Ever.  Get used to it.

Tomorrow's workout: Got me some Boot Camp on the schedule...